Photo of his foster son - Bang Bengzhen, who is a famous artist. His wife is beside him and she is a well-known sculpture artist.
On Friday 21st we had many special visitors to Amberley School; including Ambassador Wang and Bang Bengzhen. I met with Marie Black, your mayor last term to support the organisation of this event. This was to mark the 125th anniversary of the birth of Rewi Alley. Rewi left New Zealand in December 1926 ‘to go and have a look at the Chinese revolution'. He would stay for 60 years, becoming one of China's best-known and best-loved foreigners.There is always lots of organisation behind the scenes that support any visit and this was no different with Ambassador Wang.
They were greeted with the Amberley Kapa Haka group performing with some waiata and a haka. Our children in Kea class presented them with some gifts they had made (Chinese dragons). The group and their entourage cherished the warm welcome and Amberley new entrants' class sharing with them a special taonga.
Ambassador Wang shared some special stories about the importance or Rewi to his people. I felt a real privilege to meet Rewi Alley's foster son from China who in return gifted us (Amberley School) a beautiful print from an original he painted of his foster father. The original is based in the Chinese Consulate. We were very fortunate to hear the connections from the people who for many good reasons; put Rewi Alley on their top 10 most important people in China. Ambassador Wang told us that the people of China voted this. Our children had an incredible history lesson and I know we all learned something new. Thank you to our Head Students who also welcomed our visitors.
A special thanks to Mrs Jenny Yates and Nicky Buist. Their preparation, support and attention to detail was exemplarily. I am truly grateful for this level of support.
Here is a link to some reading on the internet if you are interested in finding more about Rewi Alley. He, the people of China and Amberley School have a special connection. Did you know that his father was a past Principal of Amberley School?
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/rewi-alley